How to Handle Unwanted Items Before Moving Day
Not everything needs to come with you. When preparing for a move, figuring out what to do with stuff you don’t want to move is one of the smartest things you can do. It saves money, reduces clutter, and helps you start fresh in your new space. Whether you’re downsizing, decluttering, or just simplifying, this guide walks you through what to donate, sell, recycle, or store — and how to do it all efficiently.
Why Letting Go Before You Move Matters
Every item you bring costs money to pack, move, and unpack. Lightening your load ahead of time makes your move faster and more affordable — especially when working with professional Des Moines movers who charge based on time and weight.
Need a full downsizing strategy? Explore our article on how to downsize before moving to Des Moines for detailed steps.
Donate What Still Has Life
If your unwanted items are in good shape, donation is an easy and feel-good option. Des Moines offers several convenient places to donate household goods, clothing, books, and furniture:
- Hope Ministries — Accepts furniture, bedding, and clothing
- Goodwill of Central Iowa — Has multiple drop-off locations
- Habitat for Humanity ReStore — Ideal for tools, appliances, and furnishings
Be sure to clean and group items before donating. You’ll make someone else’s life easier — and reduce landfill waste in the process.
Sell Select Items for Extra Cash
If you're asking what to do with stuff you don’t want to move but don’t want to give away, consider selling anything gently used and in demand. Great candidates include bikes, kitchen gadgets, electronics, and home décor.
List your items early on Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor, or OfferUp. For fragile items, protect them properly — this guide on how to label moving boxes includes tips for safe handling.
Recycle or Dispose of the Rest Responsibly
Still stuck with bulky or unusable items at the last minute? Review our last-minute moving tips to quickly reduce waste and move smart.
Offer Free Items to Clear Space Fast
In a rush? Offering items for free on Facebook groups or Buy Nothing networks can help you eliminate excess quickly. Porch pickups are easy, and many people are happy to collect your still-useful stuff.
This can be especially effective for kids’ toys, unused office chairs, or kitchenware. It’s also a low-stress answer to what to do with stuff you don’t want to move at the last minute.
Store It (If You Must)
If you're still on the fence about certain belongings, consider short-term storage. Blue Cow offers secure local storage options that let you hit pause on tough decisions. Just be realistic: if you don't need it in three months, you probably don’t need it at all.
Compare storage types in our detailed post on portable containers vs. storage units.
💡 Quick Fact
Let Blue Cow Moving & Storage Simplify Your Move
Still unsure what to do with stuff you don’t want to move? Let us help. At Blue Cow Moving & Storage, we offer full-service packing, storage, and even donation drop-off assistance — everything you need to clear out and move forward confidently.
Whether you're moving across Des Moines or just down the block, we’re here to make every step easier and lighter.
Final Thoughts | Start Fresh Without the Extra Stuff
Deciding what to do with stuff you don’t want to move is a chance to let go of the unnecessary and start fresh. Whether you donate it, sell it, recycle it, or store it short-term, clearing the clutter clears the way for a smoother move — and a simpler home.
You May Also Like:
